Journal of Otolaryngology 

About: Journal of Otolaryngology is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Hearing loss & Middle ear. It has an ISSN identifier of 0381-6605. Over the lifetime, 2440 publications have been published receiving 39825 citations.

The mechanics of benign paroxysmal vertigo.

Abstract: Benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV) is a disorder of the vestibular labyrinth. The clinical features can be explained by an abnormality in the posterior semicircular canal. Under the influence of gravity, a density differential between the endolymph and the cupula will cause displacement of the cupula when changes in head position occur. The presence or absence of fatiguability is a useful test as it helps define etiology, prognosis, and therapy. At the risk of adding yet another classification of nystagmus to the literature, we submit that division of BPV into two types (fatiguable and nonfatiguable) will simplify and rationalize the management of this common complaint.

Horizontal canal BPV.

Abstract: Benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV) is generally attributed to a differential density condition in the posterior semicircular canal. Although the posterior canal is implicated because of its dependent position, the possibility exists that either the horizontal or superior canal could become involved. This paper reports on seven patients with a clinical picture consistent with horizontal canal BPV. The characteristic features are brief vertigo and horizontal nystagmus precipitated by head movement into or out of one of the lateral positions. Position change toward the left lateral position induces left beating nystagmus and vice versa for position change toward the right. The direction of the nystagmus indicates a utriculopetal "endolymph flow" when the affected horizontal canal is undermost. This could be explained by particle movement or a "viscous plug" in the posterior aspect of the canal.

Evoked potential audiometry.

Abstract: A large number of different components of the auditory evoked potential can be recorded from the human scalp using averaging techniques. It is now possible to evaluate with such evoked potential measurements the functioning of the entire human auditory system from the hair cell receptors to the association areas of cortex. This multiplicity of evoked potential components is important clinically since any one component measurement may be the most appropriate for a certain subject at a certain time, and also because the replication of objective audiological findings using more than one testing method allows greater confidence in the results. As well as providing an accurate means of determining the extent of a hearing loss, evoked potential studies can also provide information concerning the type and location of such a defect.

Muscular tension dysphonia.

Abstract: Muscular tension dysphonia (MTD) is a condition commonly seen in young and middle aged females. It is manifest by excess tension in the paralaryngeal and suprahyoid muscles, an open posterior glottic chink, larynx rise, and frequently mucosal changes on the vocal cords. These mucosal changes are usually fleshy vocal nodules. About 8% of vocal nodules are found in patients not exhibiting features of MTD. The two types of vocal nodules require different therapeutic approaches. One hundred patients out of 500 seen consecutively at the Voice Clinic at the University of British Columbia exhibited the features of MTD. These patients are discussed and an etiology hypothesis is presented.

Acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, and the sensation of nasal patency: a correlative study.

Abstract: Acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry were used to evaluate the relationship between nasal cross-sectional areas, nasal resistances, and sensations of nasal patency These parameters were measured before and after topical application of a nasal decongestant in 78 patients suffering from nasal obstruction As subjects breathed voluntarily through both nasal cavities, no significant correlation was found between sensation of nasal patency and combined nasal minimum cross-sectional areas (r = 11) or of total airflow resistance (r = -11) either before or after decongestion However, when subjects were required to breathe through each nasal cavity separately, a significant correlation was found between ipsilateral sensation of nasal patency and both ipsilateral minimum cross-sectional area pre-decongestion (r = -53, p < 0001) and post-decongestion (r = -22, p < 01), and airflow resistance pre-decongestion (r = 42, p < 0001) and post-decongestion (r = 25, p < 01) A significant, negative, nonlinear relationship was also found between nasal minimum cross-sectional area and nasal resistance Furthermore, acoustic rhinometry demonstrated that small intrusions into the lumen of the nose that might be missed by rhinoscopy produce an exponentially greater increase in nasal resistance measurements by rhinomanometry The findings were most striking in the valve region It is concluded that each of these objective and complementary measurement techniques provides a more reliable assessment of nasal patency than subjective evaluation by either patient or clinician and can thus provide valuable guidance in management of the symptom of nasal obstruction